Touring a flooded Hoi An

The ancient town of Hoi An is a low-lying area in the central province of Quang Nam, so it is always flooded by incessant rain. Every year, when the rainy season comes and floodwaters from the upstream of the Thu River flow downstream into Hoi An, the town’s authorities and residents worry about a fall of tourist arrivals.

The ancient town of Hoi An is a low-lying area in the central province of Quang Nam, so it is always flooded by incessant rain. Every year, when the rainy season comes and floodwaters from the upstream of the Thu River flow downstream into Hoi An, the town’s authorities and residents worry about a fall of tourist arrivals.

Things are different this year, though. In the flood season this year, the town has seen an insignificant decline in foreign tourist arrivals because many tourists have shown interest in visiting a flooded Hoi An.

Robert Taylor, an Australian tourist, said this is the second flooding season he has come to Hoi An, just to experience the pleasure of exploring the ancient town whose streets are submerged under water. He has asked many of his friends to come and admire the flooded town. Tourists can take a boat trip around. This is also a chance for many poor fishermen in Hoi An to earn money by serving tourists. After floodwater recedes, Hoi An will look more attractive with green moss covering ancient houses there.